Embattled principal accepts position in Thomasville

Two weeks after placing former J.E. Turner Elementary School Principal Missy Nolen at the head of the Envision Virtual School, the Mobile County Public School System was surprised to learn the administrator had accepted a job with Thomasville City Schools.

Linda McGhee, Thomasville’s Chief School Finance Officer, confirmed Nolen had accepted a position as the system’s Director of Curriculum, Instruction and Technology as of July 11.

An administrative assistant for the MCPSS department of human resources couldn’t confirm if the position was vacant but did say, “The board will meet (July 16) at noon. We should know more after that meeting.”

According to the MCPSS website, the position of principal at the Envision Virtual School is currently listed as unfilled.

Lynn Huey has since been named as the new principal at Turner, though the school’s website lists that position as unfilled as well. Huey previously served as the national project director for MCPSS Talents Unlimited.

Nolen ran into trouble after 20 teachers at Turner requested transfers from the school after reporting problems with the administrator. Educators at her previous school, E.R. Dickson Elementary, also echoed those concerns.

About The Author

Jason Johnson originally hails from Elba, Alabama, and graduated summa cum laude from Troy University in 2011. He’s been a reporter for Lagniappe since 2014, where he covers an array of topics with a focus on county government, local courts and education.
Previously, Jason worked for the Southeast Sun (Enterprise, Alabama), the Alexander City Outlook and 94.7 WTBF FM (Troy, Alabama).
He’s also been recognized by the Alabama Press Association with designations in general excellence, photography and education reporting. In his spare time, Jason is a guitarist and drummer who enjoys the benefit of regularly playing with musicians better than himself.